Jigawa State has flagged off its 2026 Hajj exercise, with the first batch of 480 pilgrims departing Dutse for Madinah in Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims were airlifted from Nuhu Muhammadu Sunusi International Airport aboard an Umza Airlines aircraft, marking the beginning of the state’s pilgrimage operations for the year.
The contingent, drawn from 25 local government areas, departed amid prayers and goodwill messages from Governor Umar Namadi and the Amirul Hajj, the Emir of Dutse, Hameem Nuhu.
Addressing the pilgrims before departure, Namadi urged them to be good ambassadors of both Jigawa State and Nigeria, encouraging them to pray for peace, unity, and development during their spiritual journey. He also assured them that the government had made adequate arrangements for their comfort, safety, and welfare throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Umar Labbo, explained that the pilgrims were selected from various local government areas across the state. He added that officials of the board, medical personnel, and other stakeholders accompanied them to ensure smooth coordination and support.
Labbo commended the state government for its support ahead of the exercise and also praised security agencies for ensuring a seamless screening process at both the Hajj camp and the airport. He noted that agencies such as the Nigeria Police, NDLEA, Immigration, and Customs collaborated to sensitise pilgrims on travel requirements and prohibited items.
“We have fortified our pilgrims with the right information to avoid any issues in Saudi Arabia,” Labbo said, while urging them to remain disciplined and mindful of their conduct.
Some of the intending pilgrims described the journey as a long-awaited opportunity. Musa Ibrahim, a first-time pilgrim from Kazaure, said, “I have waited 12 years for this day. The state government and the pilgrims board treated us like family at the Hajj camp. We got everything we needed, from screening to orientation. I will pray for Jigawa and Nigeria when I reach the Holy Land.”
Another pilgrim, Aisha Sani from Dutse, expressed gratitude, saying, “Alhamdulillah, today Allah has answered my prayers. The officials were patient with us during the drills and lectures. They taught us what to carry and what to avoid. I feel prepared and safe. My prayer is that every Muslim gets this chance.”
Both pilgrims praised the organisation at the airport, noting that security screening was orderly and medical teams were on hand to assist elderly travellers.
The departure of the first batch signals the official start of Jigawa State’s 2026 Hajj operations, with additional flights expected in the coming days.
